The objectives of this lesson are for primary and intermediate
graders to examine the
relationships among gravity, weight, and mass, the metric measurement
of distance and
volume, and density and its application to physical properties.

Materials Needed:

These materials can be used for groups of four.

Strategy 1

3 plastic zip-up bags

Small block of wood

1 cup water

Ruler

Strategy 2

Test tube

Short candle and matches

Metal tongs

Unpopped popcorn

Cooking oil

Eyedropper

Aluminum

These materials can be used for a class of 24.

Strategy 3

Bottle of pop

Balloon

Strategy 1:

Classroom discussion about matter.

Put the block of wood in one bag and a cup of water in another
bag.

Blow air into the third bag and zip it shut quickly.

Examine the contents of each bag and answer questions about them.

Strategy 2:

Set the candle on aluminum foil.

Put a drop of cooking oil and one popcorn seed in the test tube.
Cover it with an aluminum foil circle.

Light the candle and hold the test tube above the flame at an
angle pointed away from everyone’s face. Do not let the test tube touch
the flame.

Move the test tube back and forth so the seed doesn’t burn.

When the seed pops, put out the flame and let it cool. Remove the
seed.

Strategy 3:

Open up a bottle of soda pop and set it on a table. Immediately slip
the end of a
balloon over the neck of the bottle. Pull the balloon’s end well down
over the bottle
so that it fits tightly. Check on the balloon about every 10 minutes
for any changes.

Performance Assessment:

Teacher observations.

Students will write their own conclusions about the three states
of matter.